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John Fox won't return to Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers announced Friday that coach John Fox will not return next season and that the contracts of his assistant coaches will not be renewed.

"I told John today that I appreciate everything he has done for us over the last nine years, but as happens in this business, it is time for both sides to move in different directions," Panthers owner Jerry Richardson said in a statement.

Fox's departure has been no secret, and his last full practice at the Panthers' complex was an odd scene with the Meineke Car Care Bowl about to kick off just a few steps away. Fox gathered the players around him shortly before noon, with a burst of laughter heard from players as they broke toward the locker room.

"It's been a lot of great memories, a lot of fond memories, a lot of great relationships and something I'll cherish forever," Fox said. "Now [I'll] just embark on the next chapter."

Fox was first denied a contract extension after the 2008 season. He entered the last year of his deal this fall after the Panthers began a youth movement that's left them an NFL-worst 2-13 and the league's worst offense, but they will have the No. 1 overall draft pick in April.

"It's not new," Fox said of his impending departure. "It's something I've been preparing for actually for a couple of years."

League sources told ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas that Fox was allowed to explore other options before this season. Sources said he was a candidate for the Buffalo Bills' opening that eventually went to Chan Gailey, but Fox elected to finish out his contract with the Panthers.

A rift had developed between Richardson and Fox since Carolina's 33-13 loss to Arizona in the team's last playoff game in January 2009. Fox was more vocal this season in showing displeasure for several personnel moves that left the Panthers short on experience and talent.

The 55-year-old Fox, who is making more than $6 million this season, is 78-73 in Carolina, which includes the franchise's only Super Bowl appearance after the 2003 season. But the Panthers have never had consecutive winning seasons under Fox, who inherited a 1-15 team from George Seifert in 2002.

In his statement, Richardson didn't address what he'd be looking for in a new coach. Only Jeff Fisher in Tennessee, Bill Belichick in New England and Andy Reid in Philadelphia have been with their teams longer than Fox, who had been the New York Giants' defensive coordinator.

"While we haven't accomplished all of the goals we set as an organization when we signed him in 2002, we have certainly had our share of high moments -- the Super Bowl, two NFC championship games, and a division title in 2008," said Richardson, who hasn't answered questions from reporters in almost three years. "We wish John and his family the best going forward."

There was a light mood around Friday's practice and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said Fox never brought up his ouster with the players. Munnerlyn said by phone that the news was "shocking."

"It's sad and it kind of hurts, too," Munnerlyn said. "These are the guys who have been coaching me since I came into the league last year, so you get close to them. It makes me sad to see them go."

Added tight end Dante Rosario: "It's difficult to see them go. It's not an easy thing to take."

It follows a theme of players lining up to support Fox, known for being tough but also as a player's coach. Fox has been able to hold onto the locker room despite his lame-duck status and the team's poor record.

"I'll say this," Fox said before hustling inside after practice, "these guys have stayed enthusiastic and have continued to work very hard all season."

The Panthers will be without cornerback Chris Gamble (ankle), fullback Tony Fiammetta (ankle) and defensive tackle Ed Johnson (knee) against the Falcons (12-3), who need the win to lock up the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Receiver Steve Smith (calf) also is questionable after missing practice Friday, further depleting a team that had serious deficiencies before being hit with a number of injuries.

Armed with the No. 1 pick and a new coach, the Panthers are hoping to make a quick turnaround.

"I guess the owner and the general manager are trying to make this team better," Munnerlyn said, "so we have to put our faith in them."

I like John Fox. I think he can win a lot more in the NFL if he coaches a team that is solid and stable.

Re: John Fox won't return to Carolina

This is yet another case of a coach who got fired because the GM gave him no talent to work with and the few talented guys he had got injured. This guy will have a job easily next year if he wants it. Fox is a good hard nosed coach.

Lombardi could not have won five games with Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore as his QBs